Kotaku
The next Final Fantasy VII spin-off game milked from the teat of Square Enix, Crisis Core, finally has a North American date—March 25, 2008. Square Enix nailed down specific (and non-specific) ship dates for a handful of 2008 releases, including the next title in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII series to follow Dirge of Cerberus and Advent Children. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII was a massive success for the PSP in Japan and I suspect it'll do okay over here, too.
The RPG experts also pinned down dates for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates for the Nintendo DS (March 11, 2008) and Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors (February 26, 2008) for the Wii. Slightly hazier is the spring 2008 release window for The World Ends With You, previously known as It's a Wonderful World. Hundreds of hours of text-reading, level building fun awaits you.
Press release with more in the way of details is post jump.
Square Enix Jump-Starts the Year with an Action-Packed Lineup for 2008
Fans Advised to Warm Up this Holiday Season in Preparation for an Assortment of Exciting New Adventures
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, revealed today its first offerings for 2008, with entries that will launch fans into a fast-paced, action-packed new year. This latest announcement brings forth four new titles for the coming year, including releases for the Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, and the Wii.
DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors sets the action in motion as the newest entry in the franchise that has captivated more than 43 million fans worldwide. The premiere RPG franchise makes its debut on the Wii as an immersive action-adventure accessible by players of all ages.
Following suit are powerful, engaging adventures in the handheld arena. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates for the Nintendo DS offers endless entertainment with its fun-for-all multiplay feature, while CRISIS CORE(TM) -FINAL FANTASY VII- for the PSP system reunites fans with the most recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura. Nomura's latest designs lend a hip, urban edge to THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU, a stylish new RPG title for the Nintendo DS.
Warm ups are recommended for fans who intend to take on these exciting new challenges that are headed their way!
DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.
Planning: Genius Sonority, Inc.
Scenario & Game Design / General Director: Yuji Horii
Character Design: Akira Toriyama
Music: Koichi Sugiyama
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: February 26, 2008
Developed from the ground up to take advantage of the Nintendo Wii and its motion-sensing technology, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is set to slice its way onto Nintendo's next-generation platform. Use the Wii Remote to slash, parry and blast your way through a land filled with trademark DRAGON QUEST foes! Developed with both long-time fans and casual players in mind, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is poised to take video gaming to an entirely new level of fun and interaction.
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/dqswords.
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: March 11, 2008
Few titles epitomize the essence of multiplayer camaraderie like the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series. Released in 2004 as an innovative title that took advantage of the Nintendo GameCube-to-Game Boy Advance connectivity, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES pioneered an entirely new gameplay experience that expanded the horizons of conventional RPG gaming. Primed for a release on the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates is poised to continue this tradition by providing fans with two distinctly unique games: a fully fleshed single-player RPG experience and an addictive multiplayer element for up to four players.
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ffccnews/.
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP system
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: March 25, 2008
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-, the highly anticipated entry in the COMPILATION of FINAL FANTASY VII, takes fans on an exciting journey through the origin of the internationally acclaimed FINAL FANTASY VII saga in an all- new action-packed experience. Developed exclusively for the PSP system, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- marks the return of the celebrated characters and game world that mesmerized more than 9.8 million gamers around the globe. With inspiring visuals, full 16:9 widescreen presentation and an engaging battle system, fans and newcomers alike can experience the world of FINAL FANTASY VII from an all-new perspective.
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/crisiscore.
THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./ Jupiter
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB:TBD
Ship Date: Spring 2008
THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU, is an exciting new title developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld system. Previously known as Subarashiki Kono Sekai on its release in Japan, THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is an innovative new title from Square Enix that fully utilizes the capabilities of the Nintendo DS, and takes major influence from Japan's modern day culture including its people, music, clothes, food and design.
Comments
I'm just going to keep waiting for Dissida.
looks epic one of the big reasons i want a psp
can't wait for it!!
It's importin' time!!
NEWS! INFO! FINALLY! I was starting to worry! Damn you Square for making me wait 2 years for this damn game. Then making me wait 6 more after the JPN release. I love your company.... please don't ever do this again.
yea!!!!! cant wait!!!!
Ugh I'm reminded of my poverty that disables my "buy Crisis Core SE PSP" button
@Rabidsquirrel: Heh. They do this allllll the time. Prepare for it.
Late is the new fashionably late.
Great news! It feels like I've been waiting forever!
Oh, yeah... I have.
So they haven't announced the dates for Dissidia or Crystal Chronicles: Wii yet?
i am happy for the other squenix games but OMG FF VII NEEDS TO DIE!!!!
Everything FF VII has saturated the market soo much, everywhere i look is FF VII, sure the game was great back in the day but damn it kinda like milking a dead cow to get the remainder of the milk
hey hey squenix where the hell is the chrono trigger remake that all of us hard core old school square soft fans are waiting for!!
@Maldron: I know... and every time it hurts... more.. and more... and more... and more.
FF13 is gonna be the final nail that puts me down. Out in 2011 in america. 2009 in JPN. Get yours someday soon... kinda... not really.
(sorry for all the ...'s I just got in a ... sorta mood with this post)
@RanChan03: I'm sorry, the Chrono Trigger remake isn't coming until they finish Final Fantasy 1 & 2 Turbo HD Remix.
@Rabidsquirrel: I know, it's how I feel when the part of me that feels hope dies. It keeps coming back though, the tenacious bastard.
@RanChan03:
Thanks, I was going to say something like that.
Square Enix could make a alternate brand called "the cloud and sephiroth franchise fanboy adventures starring 123981723 spinoff chapters: today you´ll see 24 houre of cloud trying to comb his hair, and sephiroth grilling a barbecue with his sword"
@Rabidsquirrel: How do you know without an official release date? as far as you know, they may actually release it in 2013 to keep with the 13 theme. Or was there some news I missed?
But. Crisis Core. I haven't been waiting for this, because I barely got a PsP when the Daxter Bundle came out. But now I am waiting for it. Thank god I only have to wait a few months.
Do anyone think Squeenix is going to be done with the FFVII spin-offs after this round? I'm one of those people who still thinks they've got a true FFVII remake on the way (though a long way down the road), and I don't think I could take another spin-off announcement!
I'm going to leave my skepticism at the door and at least give these games the benefit of the doubt before knocking them. I am at least a bit curious to see what THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU has to offer.
That picture reminds me of that one line from PotC: Dead Man's Chest:
"oh, fine! Let's just haul out our swords and start banging away at each other! That will solve everything!"
And look, it even has the man-love angle covered!
So, how long have people been waiting for a release date for this/these? Would it be indicative of how long people'll wait for the KH release dates?
@Lerdio:
I think they have like 2 or 3 more FFVII spin-offs from what I read in the past. One might be for mobile phones though, can't remember.
Everyone really should buy The World Ends With You, such a wonderful new RPG IP.
Damn you, PSP. How dare you have a few games I'd like too play. You were supposed to be an epic failure. Just die already. :(
This just in:
FINAL FANTASY VII: No Chrono Trigger in sight Bitches
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PC, PS3, Wii, X-Box 360 Nintendo DS, PSP System, N-Gage, Dreamcast and
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: M
Ship Date: 2008
@Maldron: Its like one of those clown punching things. After it gets knocked down it comes right back for more... Wonder how long till it pop's?
@Kirbytheslayer:*sigh* and with that you loose my vote... ;-)
No news you missed. Just a bunch of drooling and a new trailer, in the end its just a lot of hope that will most likely never turn the way I wish it would. (I'm still hoping for a 08 release JPN, early 09 release in USA. But in reality my previous numbers and yours are most likely closer.)
crisis core =D
I guess I am taking off te 25th! I am very excited about crisis core, and the fact I can play it on my nice big screen TV even better. Give me Vagrant Story so I can die a happy gamer! Do you hear me ivalice alliance!
Another fleeting reason for me to keep my PSP.
@Goldwings: actually, it would go like this:
This just in:
Platform: Cell Phone
I got the import back when it got released...Crisis Core is clearly the best thing out of the whole Compilation....
Zack's story is just awesome and sad.
Im also picking up the US rlease, I actually like the english voices of the FFVII cast (not counting Mena :p)
@Goldwings:
lol, that's funny.
what is this "dreamcast" you speak of?
is this going to be a "killer app" for PSP? i think so. do i like FF? no. but i know A LOT of people love the series. FF XIII isn't on there. i know it's PS3 exclusive, but i guess we don't get it til 09. :(
patience makes perfect.
@Rabidsquirrel: Hasn't popped yet, in fact every time it pops back up more people seem to be there to punch it expectantly. I think we're looking at a Mauve-level threat to the integrity of the space-time continuum here.
I'm a PSP person myself, and I can not wait for Crisis Core to come out!!! It will be AWESOME!!!
Yay. Crisis Core time. Time to play the game, see a young Cloud, and laugh at him while saying:
"Ha ha, you never made it to SOLDIER!"
Heh. Also can't wait to rumble with my homie Gackt...I mean, Genesis.
Anyone here know if crisis core is any good? (As in better than Advent Children, Dirge of Cerberus, and all the other emo Final Fantasy VII's Nomura has made?)
Why no FFIV for DS, by the way? Why???
At least I can finally play Subarashiki Kono Sekai in English...
@Maldron: ...Really? Have you forgotten about Ehrgeiz?
Anyway, I'm cautious enough about Squeenix spinoffs at this point that I'm waiting to see how well these games are received before I get excited.
FINALLY! a good reason to finally get a psp.
my roommate imported this a while back. Definitely one of the best games I have ever played on handheld.
Thecleaningguy, FFIV is only for DS...
Squeenix seems to love the March 20's for game releases.
thank goodness! I can finally circle that date on my calendar for Crisis Core. yay!
why do people feel like FF VII needs to "DIE"? just because you've lost interest doesn't mean that Square Enix should stop serving the fans, especially when there is such a huge demand.
well... for me this is the game i have been waiting for to get a psp. let's do it.
@Christoph: Having a Crisis Chris? The PSP is like that annoying younger brother that is occasionally funny. Won't leave you alone but occasionally says something interesting.
I need better analogy's.
Anyway. I am surprised, I thought the PSP would fail. Of course, I don't think that now obviously, as I own 2... Haha.
If the PSP keeps having good games just get one. Just because you own a PSP doesn't mean you have to give up your DS. Or whatever.
@equin0x: I've got a good bunch of reasons FFVII should die and it's completely in regard to the original game.
The script was trashy, the plot a generic Steam/Bio-Punk apocalyptic fitting of the mid-90s anime scene. The characters were also quite bland. It isn't until AC that they've got any meat to them.
The battle system was horrendously broken and exploitable.
The materia system was horribly gimped in comparison to the job class system and esper system of the previous two main installments.
The world design, once again, horribly bland and generic. Character design and clothing designs following suit.
It was a mediocre game that got attention like the poster that immediately replies "FIRST!" but instead of being on the receiving end of a ban hammer it became a somewhat fond memory for many, a sheep dog for others, and a point of contempt for the rest.
Like Evangelion, it didn't deserve the popularity. Yet, just like Evangelion, the creators feel the need to whore it out instead of actually moving on and accomplishing something. It isn't their fault though. No, in the end it's the market that's to blame.
At least Zack's story is interesting.
@Stormrider900: The initial reviews say it's much faster than Ergheiz ever was, which makes me hopeful. Even if it isn't, it won't be the worst mistake I've ever made when purchasing a game, which currently lies with Grandia III.
I swear, I have never stopped caring so quickly.
@Maldron: Is it out in Japan already? Or did you mean previews instead of reviews? Dissidia only has characters from the Nomura-designed FFs, too, I think. No IV or VI characters makes me sad. If I could beat the shit out of Tidus with Sabin, it wouldn't matter how good the game was.
@Stormrider900: I did mean previews, I apologize.
@Stormrider900: Warrior of Light, Garland, Kuja, and Zidane are not Nomura characters. Sephiroth was the first character shown from the Nomura days.
Don't get me wrong, I loved FFVII but how could any game based on it be as good or better than the original? Half the reason anyone loves the game by now is mostly based on nostalgia. I hope it's good but I wouldn't count on it.
YES! FINALLY! Now if we can just get a date for Advent Children Complete on Blu-ray. Yes, I admit it- I'm a Nomura whore.